Chapter 60

Just after ten o'clock, Jack had only moved once. Around eight-thirty, Elizabeth moved his head just enough so she could slip under him. She laid his head on her lap so she could watch TV. Juile was up in her room. Her mother and father were in the living room with the young couple. As she settled on the couch with Jack's head on her lap, he settled his head on her upper thigh. He brought his arm around her lap and rested his arm on her thighs with his hand on her hip. With one last wiggle, he settled in and hasn't moved since. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair as she watched a hallmark movie her mother wanted to watch. Her father was dozing off in his recliner.

Without looking at her mother and keeping her eyes on her boyfriend, Elizabeth asked the question she had wanted to ask for some time now. Since the movie was finally over, she thought it would be okay to ask now.

"Mother, what are we going to do with Jack? He hasn't eaten dinner. Heck, he's barely moved."
"I spoke with Charlette earlier."

Elizabeth played it cool and nodded her head. She was trying her best to remain calm and not give her hopes away.

"She told me that he can stay if I'm unsure of him driving home."
"Mother, you can't allow him to drive home. Look at him. He's exhausted. He's only moved one time. You can't…"

"I know, dear. Charlette said that he could stay here. I think that's the best and safest thing to do for him."

Elizabeth fought with every ounce of her strength to keep from smiling. She didn't know why she was so excited for Jack to stay the night, but she most certainly was.

"Do you think we should wake him up and get him upstairs?"
"Elizabeth…" Her mother's voice came through in a strong tone. "…Jack will sleep in the downstairs guest room beside your father's library."
"But mother…that's the smallest guest room. The one by my room is…" Her voice trailed off by her mother's expression. She was shaking her head no.

"That's not happening, dear. He may stay down here while you remain upstairs."

"But mother…"

"It's that, or he can stay in our room with your father, and I will stay in your room with you."

"No…you're right. The guest room downstairs is best." She softly stated as she refused to look at her mother.
"Elizabeth…"
"Mother, you know me. Jack and I have spoken about this. You know me, and you know Jack. You also know our wishes."
"I know…but you are pushing this a little too much here."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She shrugged her shoulders as she continued to run her fingers through his hair. With all the discussion, he hasn't flinched one time.

"Charlette said that he's a heavy sleeper."
"That's what he has told me before. I would have never guessed he slept this hard."
"He is really exhausted. Let's see if we can wake him enough to get him to bed. You worry about him. and I'll worry about your father."
"Deal."
…

Elizabeth lay awake in her bed. She tried to wake Jack up, but he just wouldn't. He moved as he settled in closer to her. He tightened his arm that was already around her. He also snaked his other arm around her back and locked his hands. He held her closer to him. He snuggled his head deeper into her lap and slightly moaned as he settled. Elizabeth would classify it as a contented moan. She loved that he was so comfortable with her. The feeling that this could be any night of her future with Jack came easily into her thinking.

The problem was that she felt what it was like with him being so close. Many times, when she felt his weight on her, it was a huge turn-on. She still didn't understand why, but it was. This time, however, it was just comforting. She felt so at peace with him snuggling into her. She tried to get him closer as he tried to get closer to her. She touched her phone that was on her bedside table. It was two o'clock.

Elizabeth finally stopped trying to wake him up. She accepted a pillow from her mother and placed it under Jack's head. She brought the throw blanket up to his middle chest and securely wrapped it around him. Grace basically ran her off a little after eleven. She fell asleep briefly, but her mind woke her up, knowing her boyfriend was just downstairs. She could still feel her fingers running through his hair. She loved the sensation of playing with his hair. Then her mind went back to Jack's weight on her. She closed her eyes for a moment. Then she realized that probably wasn't the best decision to make. She rolled over to her side. Her eyes focused on the book that permanently resided on her small table. She remembered the inscription Jack had written on the inside cover. Without thinking, she threw the covers off her and stood.

Elizabeth quietly made her way down the grand staircase. She took careful notice that the fourth step from the bottom squeaked. If you stepped on the center of the step, it would squeak. She made sure to walk on the edge closest to the handrail. She peeked toward her parents' room to make sure their door was closed, and their light was off. She sighed when she found it like she had hoped. As Elizabeth turned to make her way to the living room, she convinced herself she was just going to check on Jack. She was worried about him.

She stood in front of the couch between the couch and the coffee table. He moved during the night. His back was pressed against the back of the couch. His head resting on the pillow with his arm outstretched. His hand was dangling over the edge of the couch. She thought he looked so cute with his messy hair. She sat on the edge of the couch. She began to fuss with his hair. She tried to move the strains of hair off his forehead, but it would only fall back down.

"Elizabeth…" Jack whispered.

She wasn't sure if Jack was awake and called out to her or if he was still asleep and didn't know what he was doing. She smiled as she gently ran her fingertip over his cheek.

Jack slowly reached up and took her hand. "Elizabeth…"
"Sshh…it's ok, Jack. You're sleeping on the couch at my house. It's really late."
"I'm at your house?" he asked without opening his eyes.

"Yeah…you were very tired last night and fell asleep. Mother and mom said for you to stay since you were so tired."
"I'm sorry."
"It's ok. Just sleep so you can get some rest."
"Come here, " he softly said as he gently tugged her hand, trying to pull her closer to him.

"Jack…I can't…" She protested without any conviction in her tone. She had already noticed that there was enough room for her on the couch just in front of him.

After a few moments of silence, Jack released her hand and opened the covers for her. He patted the top of the couch in front of him. His eyes barely opened. A devilishly adorable smile appeared on his lips. "Please…" His voice was so full of love.

There was no way she could say no to him. First, he was so adorable in his sleepy state. He was just too adorable acting this way. Secondly, she didn't want to say no. Her mind, since she was lying in her bed, wanted to lie down with him. She just wanted to be in his arms. She wanted to feel his comfort and the heat that permeated from him. She just knew he would be a great personal heater.

Before she knew it, she found herself sitting deeper on the couch. Her hand involuntarily found the hair on his forehead.

"How are you so cute?"

"You just love me." He smirked. "Please lay down with me?"
"Jack, we'll get in trouble with my parents." She whispered as she bit her lip.

"We're fully clothed. Nothing is going to happen."
"I know, but we'll still get in trouble."
"It would be worth it." He patted the couch again and pushed himself against the back of the couch to make room for her. He reached for her hand and squeezed it three times. Then he slid his hand up her arm to her elbow. He placed his hand on her back and slid it to the small of her back. "E…liz…a…beth…"

'Good grief…" She whispered to herself. He had this pull on her that she was comfortable with, but she didn't like it.

Before Elizabeth knew what she was doing, she was already lying down. Her head rested on his arm. That arm surrounded her chest and pulled her back against his chest. His other arm pulled the blanket over them, and then he wrapped it around her midsection and pulled her lower back against his stomach. His legs pulled up against her legs, and she wiggled, trying to get closer to her. Elizabeth placed one hand on Jack's arm that was across her tummy and the other hand on the arm that was across her chest. She loved being held by Jack. She also wanted to hold onto him.

Elizabeth instantly settled against Jack. She immediately noticed how perfectly she fit against Jack. Every curve of Elizabeth's body melted against every curve of Jack's body. They just fit together.

They haven't been in such an intimate position for the months they have dated. It didn't feel wrong. Jack was a perfect gentleman. She didn't feel pushed or coerced. This just felt natural to both of them. She trusted him with everything that she had. She knew his intentions were more than honorable.

Jack took a deep breath of Elizabet's scent. He could smell her vanilla and lavender shampoo. Her Cloud perfume was faint since she put it on this morning, but he could still smell it. Her hair was in a messy bun, but there were a few strains that escaped. He loved that it tickled his cheek. Within the first minute, he tried to pull her closer for the fourth time. And for the fourth time, she tried to snuggle closer to him.

The young couple lay on the couch for only a few minutes before falling off to dreamland, holding each other.

…

Grace walked into the kitchen to make coffee. She could only grin and shake her head at the sight before her just a few moments ago. She had walked into the living room to check on Jack. She wasn't necessarily shocked when she noticed Jack and Elizabeth asleep on the couch. She was a little surprised. Her mother's heart was torn.

First, she was a little upset that her daughter would sneak down during the night and lay down with Jack on the couch. It was completely inappropriate. She didn't feel like her daughter took advantage of the situation, but she did feel that Elizabeth danced around the edge of it. Secondly, she knew her daughter. While she may have been surprised, she wasn't worried. With the previous conversation she had with Elizabeth, along with the countless others, she trusted her daughter. Not because Elizabeth told her to trust her, but the fact that her middle daughter has shown her time and time again that she could be trusted. While her daughter wasn't a perfect teenager, she was a good young lady. She has earned the trust of her mother. Thirdly, Grace trusted Jack. This young man has joined into their family with open arms. He was a good guy, and she trusted him with her daughter. He has shown himself to be true with Elizabeth on more than one occasion.

Grace knew that she needed to wake Elizabeth up before Willliam woke up an saw them. He trusted Elizabeth, and Jack as well, but he is still a father. She didn't want to keep things from her husband. She also didn't want to referee a situation that could have been blown out of proportion so early in the morning.

After making a pot of coffee and putting some cinnamon buns in the oven, she made her way to the living room. She sat on the edge of the coffee table.

"Elizabeth." She softly stated as she touched her daughter's arm. "Elizabeth…"

Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open slowly. As they opened, they almost immediately closed. She knew by the darkness that it was still too early to wake up.

"Sweetheart, you need to wake up."

"What?" Elizabeth's eyes opened again. This time her eyes landed on her mother. It took a moment for her to realize what was happening. When she jumped slightly, Jack had tightened his hold on her. They hadn't moved since Elizabeth laid down with him.

"You need to go upstairs. You still have a little bit of time before you need to begin to get ready. Jack needs to wake up and go home so he won't be late for school." Grace's voice was nonchalant, smooth even.

"Mother." Elizabeth gasped.

"Come on..." She turned her attention to Jack. "Jack, you should get up and head home, so you won't be late. Come on you two."
Grace stood up as Jack opened his eyes.
"Elizabeth…" He whispered. "When did you lay down with me?"
"Early this morning. You made me."
"I made you?" He questioned as he tightened his hold on her. He loved the feeling of her completely in his arms.

"Yeah…" She whispered as she snuggled into his embrace. She also held on to his arms. She had no desire to leave his embrace.

"Would you make me a promise?"
"Yeah."

"When we are married…this is how we sleep."
"Deal." She quickly stated. "Now, you need to let me go so I can get up. I'm not sure if the mother is mad or not, but I don't want the father to see this."
He kissed her on the back of the neck. When he released her, she didn't move. She couldn't see him, but she knew he was smiling because she didn't want to move.

…

Viola looked up and saw her boyfriend walking in her direction. She couldn't help but smile. She shut her phone down. She had been texting Shirley. Ted's mom sent her a text asking a question about summer plans.

"Hey." Ted smiled as he approached his girlfriend. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the lips.

"Hey." She flirted with a smile.
"What were you doing?"
"I was texting your mom."
"My mom?" Ted leaned back. "Why are you texting my mom?"
"She wanted me to have this picture."

"She better not! What picture?"
Viola couldn't keep from laughing. "I'm just teasing you. She was asking what plans I had for the summer."
"Oh…"
"I think she wants to invite me to go on vacation with you all."
"She mentioned that last night."
They stood in silence for a few moments.
"Well?" He asked.

"She hasn't really asked yet. She has just hinted around it."
"If we can work it out, would you like to go with us on our family vacation?"
"Really?"
Ted stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Really. I would love to spend summer vacation with you."
"That sounds lovely."

"Do you need to call your parents?"
"I will later. We're a little ahead of them. They're behind us. It's much earlier there than here."

Ted gave her a smirk and then leaned in for a kiss. "Hey, want to play hooky with me."

"Hooky? Ted, are we in high school." She sassed. "Plus, aren't you supposed to be a good influence on me? You shouldn't be trying to get me to miss school." She sassed.

"Well…" He stated as he pulled her closer. "Jack texted me yesterday telling me he'll be playing in the state tournament at Winchester."
"Yeah, Ebeth texted me the same thing."
"You know, if they win Thursday, they'll play Friday."
"That's what she said."
"Want to go with me?"
"To Winchester to see Jack play?"
"Yeah…plus we can see your family and I can see Aunt Charlette and Uncle Tom. We can watch Jack play."
"How far is Winchester?
"About three and a half hours or so. We could go and maybe you can crash with your family, and I can crash with mine."
"That sounds interesting. I just have that one class on Friday."
"Yeah… So what do you say Angel? Let's head out early Friday, grab breakfast somewhere, and enjoy the day together. Plus, we can watch Jack play and spend time with family. You up for an adventure?"

What Ted didn't know was that he had her with the very first sentence. She loved being with him. Plus, time with him and her family sounded nice.

"Only if you let me pick where we eat breakfast."
He scooted closer to her. "You are a lady who likes being in control." He gently kissed the tip of her nose.

"And what does that mean?" She challenged him with a smile.

"You, Angel, are a control freak. Plus, I do think you want to be with me."
"And what makes you say that?" He tilted her head to the right as she fought the smile that was trying to form.

"Admit it, Angel. I'm growing on you." He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.

Viola would never admit to it, but she loved him when he was like this. She did love spending time with him.

"Like moss." She sassed.

"Still…I'm growing on you. You know…" He pulled her a little closer to him. His breath was gently blowing on her as he spoke softly. "…I do believe being in a relationship looks good on you."

"So you say…"

Instead of saying anything, she closed her eyes knowing one of her favorite things were about to happen. Ted didn't disappoint her. She sighed when his lips caressed hers. She opened her lips welcoming him deeper.

…

Jack and Elizabeth finally pulled themselves off the couch. Jack couldn't believe he slept thirteen hours. While he felt rested, he was still slowly moving. He just assumed it was because he slept so long. Elizabeth gave him a kiss before she went upstairs. Jack heard Grace in the kitchen. He slowly walked in there.

"Mom…"
"Jack. How are you feeling?"
"I'm good. Thank you for allowing me to sleep. I don't remember much of last night."
"You fell asleep pretty quickly. You do sleep soundly."
"Yeah…I always have." He chuckled. "Mom…"
"I understand."
"I'm sorry."

Grace turned and closed the distance between them. When she was in front of him, she remained silent until he looked her in the eyes.

"Jack, I trust my Bethie. I always have. I also trust you. You have never given me any doubts in your caring for my daughter. I'm not going to say I'm happy about what I saw this morning, but I am not angry. But please, let's not make this a habit."
"Yes, ma'am."

"Now, have a seat. Cinnamon buns will be ready in about five minutes. I'll make you some eggs. You must be starving."
"I am. Thank you."

…

Elizabeth finished brushing out her hair. Her makeup was already done, and she was tying her last shoe. While she didn't sleep very well in the beginning, she slept great when she was in Jack's arms. She was at peace in his embrace. She was always a little cold while she slept. Jack was a heater. She was a little excited that she would have a personal heater for the rest of her life. She also couldn't get over the feeling of how she fit in his arms. She always prided herself on being an independent woman. She wasn't super girly, but she loved the feeling of comfort in Jack's arms. She knew she would never tire of that feeling for the rest of her life.

Elizabeth knew her mother wasn't too happy about her sneaking down and finding her and Jack on the couch sleeping. They were fully clothed, and nothing happened, but she knew she had pushed her limits with her mother. She was grateful her father didn't find them. Even in her unhappiness, Grace was very nice about it. She didn't feel her mother thought something inappropriate happened. She had a little smirk on her face when they talked about it.

She reached for her phone. She wanted to share a picture she took of Steph and Connie. She forgot to send it last night since Jack arrived. She opened her photos and began to look at her recent photos. She knew the one she was looking for should be the first one on the reel. She noticed she had a text from her mother. She noticed it was sent at five this morning. She opened the text and noticed there was a photo. She didn't bring her phone down during the night when she went to check on Jack. When she touched the photo to expand it, she instantly smiled. Evidently, her mother had taken a photo of her and Jack asleep on the couch. The picture was perfect, in her opinion. Jack had his arms wrapped around her, holding her close. She enlarged the photo more and noticed that both she and Jack had smiles on their faces while sleeping.

…

The normal friend group walked into the cafeteria on Wednesday. The excitement around the school was building to a fever pitch. School on Thursday was a normal school day. If you were going to go to the game, the absence wouldn't have counted against you. If the team won, school was canceled for Friday so anyone could go. School buses would be provided for anyone who wanted to attend but didn't have a ride. The buses were free for students and one dollar for non-students.

Adam smiled as he looked up from his table. His hands were waving in the air with pure excitement. Elizabeth leaned into Jack's side.

"No matter how many times I see Adam and his excitement, it never gets old."
"I agree with you, Bella. That guy just has a way with him."
"He does."

The couples went through the line, and each got their trays. As they made their way to the shared table, Jack went ahead and got him and Adam an extra drink. Adam stood to give Jack, and then Elizabeth, a hug. The excitement was evident on his face.

"Princess Beth…! Princess Steph…! Princess Connie…!" The three young ladies heard with several voices from the special ed group. Connie leaned over and nudged Steph.
"I love this group."

"So do I. They love with no expectations."

"Are you three getting the big head?" Laughed Cory.
"That's enough from you." Steph playfully smacked his shoulder. "Besides, you love this group just as much as we do."
"Even if they call me that name, I still love them all." Elizabeth shook her head. She still didn't like the nickname. She has just accepted it by this point.

"They are special." Cory thoughtfully stated.

"Are you ready to leave?"
"I am Connie," Steven stated as he sat down at his customary spot. "My suitcase is in the locker room with everyone else's."

"When do you leave?"
After lunch, the coach wanted us to eat at school before leaving. We will get to Winchester around four or five. Then we have a walk-through practice and then dinner at some restaurant."

"When are you getting there?" Jack asked his girlfriend.

"We'll leave after school today. We won't get there until later, probably around nine. I think we'll stop on the way to eat dinner."
"Ma said that they are riding with you."
"Yes. Father got that van again from work. It'll be all of us riding together. They just thought it would make sense."
Jack nodded his head. "I'll miss you."
She chuckled. "Jack, I'll see you tonight or tomorrow."
"You know, you always give me a hard time when I say that."

She always thought it was cute that he would tell her that he would miss her, especially when they would only be apart for a few hours.

"Probably not tonight. We have a strict room curfew at ten. If I miss it, I will be sent home immediately. The coach said he'll bring our suitcase back with him."
"I wouldn't try him on this."
"Absolutely not." Elizabeth shook her head. "We can text."
"Maybe." He sassed.

"You better text me!" She pointed her finger at him.

"We'll see." He shrugged his shoulders. He laughed as she huffed.

Lunch was perfectly normal. The whole group sat around the large table with plenty of laughter. Everyone spoke to each other. There wasn't one person who controlled the conversation, and no one was left out. Like every other lunchtime, the table was the loudest in the cafeteria. Not one lunch monitor stepped toward them and asked them to quiet down. They were all excited about the group.

Everyone looked up when the warning bell sounded. The group needed to get to class, and all the players needed to make their way to the locker room. They would help load all the necessary equipment and then their bags.

Jack stood and took his and Adam's tray to the tray return. When he returned to the table, Elizabeth stood. He reached for her tray. She gave him a smile. He always thought of her.

"Thank you, Jack."
He nodded. She stepped beside him and walked with him to the tray return.

"I'm going to miss you."
"Are you sure?" He raised his eyebrow.

"Of course."

"Um, hmm." He smirked as he placed the tray on the small letter belt that took the trays to the kitchen area.

"Jack…" She bumped his shoulder.

"I'll see you tomorrow."
She reached for his hand. They interlocked pinkies.

"Are you ok?"
"I just don't like that you dismiss me so easily when I tell you I will miss you. You make it sound like it's no big deal. I miss you when I'm not around you. You're important to me. When I told you I'll miss you, you said you'll see me later tonight or tomorrow. You dismiss it like it's nothing."

She tightened her hold on his pinky. "Jack, you know I miss you. I didn't mean to make you feel like I don't."
"That's ok." He looked at the clock on the wall. Just a few seconds later, the two minute bell rang. "You need to get to class, and I need to make my way to the locker room."
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth, you can't be late, and neither can I. If I'm late, Coach Franklin won't even let me on the bus."
She held onto his pinky when he tried to let go.

He was going to miss her. They spent all day together at school. His day just wasn't complete without Elizabeth being in it. She did miss him. She always did when he wasn't around. She would often kid him because he would usually say it with a little bit of a whiney voice. Plus, joking about it made it a little less in her mind.

"Jack, I'll text you later."
"Sure." He stated as he raised her hand and kissed the back of it. "Have a good rest of your day."

He released her hand and turned to walk down the hall toward the locker room. She watched him walk away.

"Are you ok?" Connie asked as she and Steph stood beside her.

"Yeah…I joked about him missing me, and he wasn't too happy about it."
"Yeah, I did that with Steven; he wasn't happy about it either."
"Cory was the same. He gets this little whiney tone."
"Yeah." Elizabeth and Connie stated at the same time.

"You know, I really do miss him when he's not around." Elizabeth continued to watch Jack walk down the hall.

"Steven was a little hurt when I did that this morning."
"I promised Cory, I wouldn't do it again. He's just trying to be sweet."
"I think Jack is doing the same thing."
"And Steven."

"Come on, girls, we can't be late to class. We'll see them later."
"Are you going tonight?"
"I am Elizabeth. We're leaving when Dad gets off work."
And I'm riding with her." Connie stated.

…

It didn't take long for all the supplies to be loaded on the bus's bottom storage. With everyone helping, the work was completed much sooner than Coach Franklin thought. Next was everyone's suitcase. They were loaded, and the bus's storage doors were closed and latched. Before boarding the bus, the coach sat everyone down.

"Alright, men. This is a business trip. We have work to do. The curfew is at ten. Again, I warn you, do not try me on my rules. Act like the men you have been all year, and we will have no issues. Turn stupid on me, and you will be taken home. I'll bring your things back with us. You are representing our school, yourselves, and your families. Make them proud.

"Once we arrive at the hotel, we will be signed in. You will find your roommate then. We will take our luggage to the rooms. After that, we are going to a local high school. They have graciously allowed us to use their gym to practice tonight. We are having another walkthrough like we did yesterday. Give me your full attention like last night; we will be ready for tomorrow. We have the last game tomorrow. Our game begins at three.

"Men, it has been a pleasure coaching you this year. When we win tomorrow, we will play at three on Friday. Men, I love you all. Now, let's get loaded and begin our journey."
"Yes, coach." He heard several voices.

Within ten minutes, everyone was loaded and comfortably in their seats. The bus was a normal-size charter bus. There was plenty of room. The two coaches, all the players, Candy, and the three water girls were on the bus. There were four TVs on the bus playing a movie. Most everyone put their Air pods in and listened to their playlist. Coach Franklin smiled when the bus doors closed, and the bus began to roll out of the parking lot. He looked at his watch. They were leaving right on time.

…

"Come on!" Elizabeth huffed as she stood by the front door. She had one large suitcase beside her and a small bathroom bag on top of it. Her impatience was glaring through her posture and tone.

"What?" William walked out of his shared bedroom, rolling his and Grace's suitcase.

"We need to leave soon."
"Bethie, Tom, and Charlette aren't even here yet. They are riding with us."
"Come on Julie!" Elizabeth called up the stairs. She yelled it from her perch by the front door.

"What's gotten into you?"
"We just need to leave. It's a three-and-a-half-hour drive.
"Yes, it is. Plus, we are also stopping for dinner." Grace stated.

"I'm coming," Julie stated as she made her way down the stairs with her suitcase.

"About time." Elizabeth huffed.

"Elizabeth, you need to calm down. Being this excited won't make the Thorntons get here any faster."

Elizabeth pulled out her phone from her back pocket. She opened the text message app and texted her mom.

E – Are you here yet

C – About five minutes out. Be there before you know it.

E – You need to hurry

C – Impatient, are we?

E – Very

"What the problem, dear?"
"Mother…"
"Elizabeth…" She matched her daughter's tone.

"I was hoping to see Jack tonight."
"She feels bad because she was giving him a hard time because he told her he was going to miss him."
"Julie!"
"What?" she challenged her older sister. "You did, and now you miss him," Julie chuckled.
"You know, dear, your father still does that. He always whines when he says it. Does Jack do that?"

"He does." Elizabeth nodded her head.
"William still says it all the time. The funny thing is, I really do think he misses me."

"I do." He stated. "Always have and always will." He stated as he walked in from the kitchen.

E – Where are you

C – Look outside. We just parked the car.

E – Took you long enough

C – When this basketball tournament is over, you, Jack, and I are going to sit down and discuss the importance of punctuation.

E – Were teens we dont use punctuation in texts

C – That's what Jack always says. We are also going over the importance of apostrophes. Now, we are waiting on you. Let's go.

"They're here! Let's go!"

Willliam and Grace shook their heads at their middle daughter.

…

"Coach Franklin?" A man asked as he stepped forward.

"Yes." Franklin stood. "You must be Mr. Johnson."
"I am. It's great to have you with us."
"Thank you for getting us in. I know this is a large group of people to squeeze in for dinner."
"Not a problem. Thanks for picking us." He looked around the group of men who were eating and enjoying each other's company. "Sir, you have a great group of young men here."
"Thank you."
"They are so well-mannered and very polite."

"That's very kind of you to say that."
"It's true. They have restored my faith in teenagers."
"They are a good group of young men."

"I know you didn't order dessert, but this is on me. Soon, the waitresses and waiters will bring out some ice cream."
"That's very kind of you."
"Anytime you need to feed them, I hope you keep us in mind. I would love to have you all here again."
"Thank you. I will certainly keep that in mind. Mr. Johson, if you have time, please sit with us."
"Thank you."

…

E – Hey what are you doing

J – Just finished dinner

J – About to get back on bus

E – We just left

J – I think coach said we are an hour or so away

J – Going to hotel first and then walk through

E – I miss you

J – Sure you do

E – I love you

J – I love you

…

The charter bus pulled on the drive-through of a very nice hotel. Several of the players stared at the beautiful building. This most certainly wasn't a run-of-the-mill hotel.

"Wow." Several voices said in awe.

When the bus stopped under the portal, Coach Franklin stood. "Alright, men and women, let's grab our suitcases."

Everyone slowly stepped off the bus. They were met with six bellhops, who volunteered to help with the luggage. Coach Franklin insisted that everyone could carry their own bags, but they did ask for help with the equipment bags. The bellhops were eager to help.

Coach Franklin led the group into the grandiose lobby. He took one quick look around and stepped up to the front desk.

"Good afternoon. I'm Coach Franklin from Hamilton East High School."
"Yes, we have been expecting you. Now, let me see." The woman tapped on her keyboard for a few moments. "Coach Franklin, here are the key cards for the rooms. You are all on the third floor. There are two key cards per room. The key cards are in their envelope with the room number on them. There are two people per room."
"Thank you so much for everything."
"Yes, sir. As you requested, there will be some sandwiches for you in the dining area after your practice this evening. Is eight still a good time for that?"
"Yes, ma'am. That would be perfect."
"The bellhops can store your equipment in our storage area if you would like. It will be easy to access when you need it."

"That would be great."
"Now, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact the front desk."
"Thank you."
"If you don't mind, Mr. Underwood would love to say hello to you."
"That would be very nice."
"Let me call him. He'll be here in a moment."
Coach Franklin took the group to the eating area since it was empty. The lady behind the desk picked up the phone and made her phone call.

"Alright, men." He spoke up. "Jack, you and Shane will be in room 3010. Cory and Steven, you are in room 3011. Sam and Joe, you are in 3012." Coach Franklin went down the list of everyone on the team.

As he finished handing out the envelopes with the key cards, he turned when he heard a voice behind him.

"Coach Franklin." A man in a suit walked toward him. "I'm Bill Underwood. It is great to have you with us."
"Thank you for everything you've done for us, Mr. Underwood."

"Please call me Bill."
"Thank you, Bill."
"My pleasure, sir." Bill looked around, trying to figure out who Jack was. He hadn't seen a picture, so he didn't know who Elizabeth's boyfriend was. He was eager to meet the young man who stole her heart. William spoke very well about this Jack guy. "If you need anything, please contact the front desk. They have been instructed to meet any needs you may have."

"I can't thank you enough for all of this. This is much more than we could have imagined."
"Mr. Thatcher has spoken very well of you and the team." Again, he looked over the group of young men, trying to guess who this Jack guy was. He really wanted to know, but he didn't want to come across as too much in just asking.

After a few moments of chatting, Coach Franklin led everyone to the third floor. The guys joined their suite mates as they found their room. Each guy was impressed with the accommodations.

"Wow…" Shane stated as he followed Jack in the room.

"Yeah…this is way over the top," Jack stated as he turned around a small circle. "I'm almost afraid to touch anything."
"Yeah…me too." Shane followed Jack's eyes. "This is just so…"
"Can you believe this?" Cory stated.

"I haven't seen anything like this."

"I haven't either, Steven. This is just too much."

The guys had just enough time to drop off their suitcases, claim the bed they wanted, and look around for a few moments. Each guy grabbed their gym bag with their practice clothes and gym shoes.

The team met up with Candy and the other water girls in the dining area. They were waiting for everyone to get there so they could leave for a local high school for their practice.

…

"Wow…" Gasped Thomas as he looked around the hotel lobby. "This is amazing."
"I'm glad we don't have to pay for this." Charlette stated. "Are you sure our room is paid for?"
"That's what William said. This gentleman, Mr. Bill Underwood, is a family and business friend. He was excited to help out the team."
"What do you think?" Grace stated as she looked around the lobby.

"This is incredible."
"Bill always does things over the top."

"Grace! William!" Bill stated as he walked toward the lobby. "It is so great to see you two. Where's the little one?"
"Uncle Bill!" Julie called out as her and Tom walked through the front doors.

"There's my little Fire Ball." Bill opened his arms for a hug. Julie walked straight into a hug.

"Uncle Bill!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she walked into the lobby rolling her suitcase with her small bag on top of it. "It's so good to see you."
"Oh my Flower Bug. Look at you! Those pictures don't do you justice!" When he wrapped his arms around her, he whispered into her ear. "You are a beautiful young woman. When did that happen?"

"Stop being silly, Uncle Bill."
He pulled back from a hug but held the embrace. "Absolutely stunningly beautiful. Look at you." He gave her a huge smile. "Your father tells me that you are going to Bryan's University to be a teacher."
"I am. I am accepted in the school."
"Of course, you are accepted. They would be idiots not to accept you."
"You just love me."
"That I do, but that doesn't change the truth. Now, I hear you are dating some boy."
"I am."
"When did that happen?"

"Beginning of the school year."
"What happened to 'I'm not dating in high school'?"

"When you meet Jack, you'll understand."
"I saw the team today."
"Then you saw him."
"The problem is I don't know what he looks like."
"I'll have to introduce you to him."
"I look forward to it."
"And you better be nice to him." She poked her index finger in his chest.

"I hear your father has a little bit of a bromance with him."
"Oh, he does. I think he likes Jack more than me at times." Elizabeth laughed. "Come with me, his parents are here."
"They're here?"
"Yes, we all rode with each together."
"You rode together?"
"Of course. We all get along."
She took his hand and led him to Jack's parents.

"Mr. Bill Underwood, this is Jack's mother and father. Tom and Charlette Thornton. Mom and Dad, this is Uncle Bill."
"Mom and Dad?"
"Yes." Elizabeth smiled.

"I really need to catch up."
Bill extended his hand and shook both Tom's and Charlette's.

"I am excited to meet you."
"Elizabeth has told us about you. We are glad to meet you."
"She is a special young lady."
"That she is."

"Your rooms are ready for you. I hope you are happy with them."
"Bill, you always go above and beyond. I'm sure everything is more than enough."

Bill turned his attention to the front desk. Before he raised his hand, two bellhops began to make their way to the group.

"These fine men will take your bags to your room. Would you all please join me for some tea and a snack?"
"You're here late."
"I knew you were coming. I wanted a few minutes with you." He smiled at his friends. "Plus, now I can get to know Thomas and Charlette."

Bill escorted both families to the dining area. As soon as they sat down, a friendly young lady asked what they would like to drink. She recited a short list of things they had to snack on at this late hour. After placing their order, they all sat back in their chairs. Elizabeth was bummed that Jack was already back from the practice and the late-night snack the hotel set up for the team. He was already in his room. While it wasn't curfew yet, it was close enough that he was already settled after signing in with his coach. He was actually in the shower as Shane was trying to find something on TV to watch.